Monday, October 19, 2009

....and NOW....!

Well, that's the thing. I'm not sure what now. And wow! It feels sooo good!

The Spartathlon is over but the memories are still reverberating. I usually mull over the things I could have done differently, better after a race. Not necessarily in a good or bad way. It's just something I do. This time, since the Spartathlon, I have just been satisfied. I just don't feel the need to analyze the race much. Rather, I just think about it and I feel good about it. That's different for me. Nice.

Yes, I've been running...when I can...when I want. It's very nice.

Work has been very busy, but I am finally catching up and winding down. Thank goodness.

My weekends are delightful. No pressures. In fact, this past weekend was just wonderful. Tim and I went into Coeur d'Alene to hang at Java and sip a Bowl of Soul. We perused the art galleries and bought some art for each other. We got some fixins' done around the house. We lounged and we laughed. We tried on Halloween costumes and people laughed at us. (Hmm, if they're laughing, they must be...perfect!)

We didn't even run or talk much about running though we did register for some "little" races.

I looked through some of our tourist pictures in Athens from before the race. Of course, Glenn's always got the best photos so I'll share a few here. Some are Tim's too. And perhaps I'll share a few more of the race...and a few after... :) (in no particular order)...

The formal awards in back in Athens.

Does life ever get any better than this!?

Glenn sinks into the chairs, can't get out. Good thing there's no reason to. Just relax and enjoy!

In the medical tent after the finish where the nurses gave me a clean dry shirt and a foot bath!

Walking from the finish to the medical tent where all finishers go.

This is my favorite picture. I love you Glenn & Tim! You guys are just the best. Thank you for sharing in my dream and adventure.

The race ends at the foot of King Leonidas. You must touch it, though most kiss it.

Running in the rain, getting splashed by every car...and there are LOTS of cars.

The last big-ass hill is coming up. It seemed so cruel at this point to put a hill there. I'm ready though!

Finally running down. Still raining.

This is from back on the course after CP59 where I dropped last year. This year as I passed through, a little girl on the side of the street handed me this pink flower. It was magical. I carried it to the finish. And still have it. It's a treasure. Here, I'm telling Glenn the story.

Coming into CP60, about 200k

Base of the Mountain (Sangas). We go off road and climb climb climb up up up. It's 100 miles at the top. I put on my brace from last year. It brought all sorts of good juju. I hit the top in about 20 hours.

This is Marika from Germany and I at the start. She is a sweetheart. She came in 3rd last year.

Tim braids my hair before the race. (If only it could stay looking that good over the course of the next 32 hours!)

About Me

I am an ultra runner, physician and have been medical director of some of the toughest ultras. I tend to be a mover and a shaker and louder than my size suggests. However, my Gemini twin is gentler and contemplative, an artist, a writer, and a poet. I am a dog lover, a believer in souls, and have a special affinity for those who struggle because I have been there.

This is my crazy lovable huggable Weimaraner, Steely Dan. I call him Steely. He left us in January of this year at only 6 years from lymphoma that did not respond to chemotherapy treatments. Steely was a total goof. He loved trail running, road running, treadmill running, new experiences, making eye contact, sleeping on his back, me, kids, and liver treats. He was Zappa's best friend. We miss him dearly.

This is Stella. A rescue from the shelter. She's about 6 months old and a Border Collie. She is a joyous bundle of energy and curiosity and now also Zappa best friend. She will make a nice running partner when she grows up.

This is the now the big brother of my family - a rescued Greyhound. His name is Frank Zappa. I call him Zappa. He's 7 years old and has learned all about life beyond the track and crate from Steely when he was with us. It was very rewarding to watch his personality bloom as he settled into the family. And yes, he runs like the wind!

This is Natasha, my dearest friend. She was with me through college, medical school, residency, and she moved with me from Chicago to Spokane several years ago. She was my best running partner for 10 years. My sweet Natasha died from bone cancer in 2006. I miss her still. I hung a windchimes over the deck outside. When it chimes, I smile and think she has finally -- wherever she is now -- caught a squirrel!